Tag: SPX

I feel good about SPX. This time last year, I was having a bummer time at SPX. But in 2013, Paper Rocket has three new books out. I’m feeling good. This might have been the most productive year of my life.

Sales weren’t great though. My con sales haven’t been for the last two or three years. This experience may be limited to me, but I doubt it. There are a lot of new publishers out there, but I’m not sure our audience has grown with us. With all this competition, it’s no longer easy to sell 30-40 books at a con, even when debuting a new title.

Unfortunately, the price of exhibiting has only gone up. None of this exceedingly troubling, as this game has never been lucrative. But it’s something to think about (I’d welcome any insight on the subject).

Regardless, I had a great time and was happy to see my cartooning cousins. And, I got to spend some time with Paper Rocket’s newest author, Gretta Johnson. Even though I just published Gretta’s first comic book, Star Fruit, I had only met her once, briefly. For all I knew, she’s a psychopath who can draw very well. I’m happy to report she is an awesome lady, totally not a psychopath. I had a lot of fun hanging out with her.

I’m back in New York, and I’ll be sending out the Kickstarter rewards this week. Star Fruit will be taking the world by storm.

The Paper Rocket/Desert Island table (I sold some books for Gabe at the show). The Kate Beaton book sold out pdq.

This weekend I’ll be making my annual trek to Bethesda for the Small Press Expo. I’ll be sharing my table with my new roommates (!) Jesse Reklaw and Hazel Newlevant. Paper Rocket’s newest author, Gretta Johnson, will also be joining us. Her book, Star Fruit, is debuting at the show. Kickstarter backers can pick up their copy right at the table! Speaking of Kickstarter, it’s not to late to back our Kickstarter campaign!

Look for Paper Rocket at table A12! I’ll also be selling a select number of Desert Island publications.

Star Fruit just arrived from the printer, and I think it looks lovely. So does Lulu! Copies will be available for order on the website after this weekend.

I’m happy to announce Paper Rocket’s next book: Star Fruit by Gretta Johnson! I just launched a Kickstarter, and I’ll debut the book at SPX.

Star Fruit is Gretta Johnson’s first comic book. She beautifully rendered her comic using watercolor, ink, and dip pen. It’s a surreal and sexy story about a nude woman (and her cat) who encounters a witch and a magical fruit.

Gretta originally printed just 50 copies of Star Fruit. Keeping it in print was proving a challenge for her, so I offered to re-publish it. It will be released as an oversized (8.5″x11″) full-color comic.

You can back this project for JUST $15, and you’ll receive a copy of Star Fruit delivered to you. I’m not asking for a hand-out–$15 is just slightly more than the retail cost plus shipping. I use Kickstarter as a distribution method, and I’ve always set modest goals. I’m raising just $400, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Gretta Johnson is a new name in comics, so need your help getting the word out. Please back this project, but more importantly, please spread the word!